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Chronic PainWhatever the cause, support for managing long term or intractable pain.

I had the stimulation implant on 12/29/11, and had nothing but problems every since. I need advice on what to do, where to go or how to get help! Because no one seems to what to help. None of the the folks that helped me get the implant are communicating with me on any of my problems. For i have been on *** site and found many that have similar problems that i have. Yet no one has an answer on how to solve my pain. Even with those that has had it removed are still in cronic pain.

Welcome to NT!
We've got a very informative forum right here specific to SCS discussion.
PLEASE come check it out! You'll get lots of feedback and support.
I too have an SCS and it's great to have a place where people understand.

I had the nuerostimulator implanted on 9-24-2012 and it hasn't worked at all. I have had it programmed 3 times and going tomorrow for X-ray to see if the wires have moved, then reprogramming again. I'm not giving up yet, but if they can't get it right soon, then I will have it taken out for sure. A little upset because the trial worked great. That's the reason I had it implanted in the first place.

I'm so sorry you are having these problems!
I'm very interested in what they found out at your appt. Did your lead wires migrate?

I invite you to come over to the SCS forum. There are lots of us with these units and it does wonders to have one another to chat with regarding these problems and possible causes.
Here's the link to get you to the Spinal Cord Stimulator forum!

Thank you for all of your info about changing companies! I have had the same experience, but different! I had to run it on high so long, that it only lasted 3 good years. The batteries run down fast.

I have found that Medtronic People who are to help us to be arrogant and not sympathic. Hopefully, it's just a few. A friend interviewed and did a little "working" with them to see if it was a fit. She was dismayed by their attitude of pain patients. As if it was our fault!

I do not call my rep any more. He was sick of me after the 2 or 3 time. HE had it correct, what was my problem! I kept trying, but now, I give up. Its not working that well, and I can't handle the hassle right now.

The 800 number people seem more sympathic and ready to help, but they can only do so much. I'm so glad to hear about the other companies, as I have wondered if they were better. But, also, machines may be as good as the operator.... so if we aren't getting good help, then how can we get good relief?

Best of luck.... I'd go with someone other than Medtronic. My humble opinion.

Hi, I also have a spinal cord implant, but mine is a Boston Scientific system and it is great. The reps are super and I have no complaints at all. I do not have 100 % pain relief tho. I do get between 85 and 90% relief most of the time. The weather here in chicago has alot to do with my relief level. I am so sorry you were told it would give you 100% relief--not true. There are some other things you can do to help ease pain. Hope you feel better. drcandy

Quote:

Originally Posted by PABirdlover

I had a Medtronic Pain Stimulator implanted in February. Since then, I have had a great deal of problems, and was wondering if anyone else has? My Knees hurt, my feet are swallen and hurt horribly. My hands are swallen and hurt. The stimulator does not work, in fact, it makes me very ill to be turned on. The pain is worse since the implantation. The representative is very arrogant, and has no intention on assisting without making rolled eyes, and comments; one comment that hurts the most is (after I have been told differently) the temporary stimulator is not the same as the permanent stimulator. I was told prior to having this implanted, if the temp works 100%, the permanent will work as well. Once I had the temp stimulator implanted, I was so excited, because of the fact it did work 100%. I can say now, I wish I would never have listened to the few that said it would work. Because now Medtronics backtracks their statements, and indicates it is not the same, and the fact I am in 100% more pain since prior to the implant. Is anyone able to help me? I am in severe pain, and severe depression over this. My meds are doubled, and the one reason for choosing the permanent stimulator was to get off the meds. Thank you.

Hi, I also have a spinal cord implant, but mine is a Boston Scientific system and it is great. The reps are super and I have no complaints at all. I do not have 100 % pain relief tho. I do get between 85 and 90% relief most of the time. The weather here in chicago has alot to do with my relief level. I am so sorry you were told it would give you 100% relief--not true. There are some other things you can do to help ease pain. Hope you feel better. drcandy

Welcome!
Thanks for sharing! I'm glad to hear your unit is working so well for you
I have a medtronic (3yrs now) and am lovin it.
How long have you had yours?

Couple of things. First I had the Spinal cord Stimulator implanted in 2006 and removed in 2011. I probably should have had it removed sooner then I did. I can't say that I had any issues or problems with the representative from Medtronic. They were helpful when I needed some assistance. I had it taken otu because of the severity of my spine issues and it just didn't work for me.

Now I am on the Intrathecal Pain Pump. The trial was done December 2012 and it worked wonders. I felt 90% relief knowing that it would not address all my problems. I have Cervical/thoracic and lumbar issues. So the implant was done at T10 level to help the mid back and lower back issues. I knew it would not help the cervical issues.

So after the trial was done I had the permanent one put in. Yes its only been a week plus a few days. I am NOT getting the same level of releif as I was with the temporary. But I was told by my doctor that some days may be better then others. I did not meet the Medtronic Representative so cant comment on the representative for the pump. But again I was told that or thought I understood that there may be differences between the temporary outcome and the permanent outcome.

I have had a few days where I felt some pain in my low back. But what I was experiencing was a far cry from what I experienced before the implant was done. It was very mild after the implant was done. And don't forget that it is not intened to work 100% of the time. That is why you are allowed to give yourself a "bolus" of extra medication to deal with those times when you do experience some pain. But since the implant I would say that I am almost pain free a majoity o the time.

I dont know what I will be like in 6 months from now. There may be a need for my doctor to reprogram the unit to allow for more "bolus". Right now I am on 48 mL per day. And the bolus is 0.100 which I can give myself an extra dosage once every 8 hours.

Time will tell what I will be like in the future.

Before the implant was done I did meet someone that the permanent implant done and she was with the Medtronic representatve. The woman raved about the success that she has been having with the implat. It has done wonders for her. I think if it wrent for the pump she was at the end of her rope as to the level of pain and didn't have any treatment options left for her. So she was extremely happy with the implant and what it is doing for her.

I went into this realizing that there were no guarantees.This is NOT intened to be a cure for the pain we are dealing with.l We have to be realistic in that some days may be better then others. But we should expect that the OVERALL improve should improve the quality of life by at least 50%. For me while it is a short period of time I am happy with the decison.

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